Bhawaiya: song of bullock-cart drivers
of the North (Rangpur)
Bhawaiya) is a musical form popular in Northern Bangladesh, especially Rangpur
District and in North Bengal specially in Cooch behar District and Jalpaiguri
District. This type of song is sung by the coachman. They sing this song while
driving their cow drawn cart. These songs depict the will and woe of the common
people.
Bhawaiya is a popular musical form in northern Bangladesh, especially in
greater Rangpur region as well as in West Bengal, India (particularly Cooch
Behar and Jalpaiguri districts).
According to folk researchers, in the past coachmen used to sing bhawaiya,
while driving their cow-drawn-cart.
Bhawaiya songs depict the will and woes of common people.
Abbasuddin is considered to be the first bhawaiya artiste who picked up this
art in rural northern Bengal, Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri, and established it as
a melodious form of music in urban and semi-urban areas.
At the discussion at Rangpur Town Hall, the speakers gave glimpses of
Abbasuddin's life. They also expressed their admiration for the legendary
singer who devoted his life to music, especially bhawaiya.
The speakers emphasised the need for government patronage in upholding the art
form. They urged the government to set up a Bhawaiya Academy in northern
Bangladesh.
Regional folk songs have a pride of place in Bangladesh. However, though the
genre is widely appreciated, such songs do not share the magnitude of
popularity as other genres.
Take the case of 'Bhawaiya,' a genre indigenous to north Bengal, mostly
popularised by the folk maestro Abbasuddin. This genre is certainly not getting
its rightful due today.
This is exactly the point where artiste Shafiul Alam Raza steps in. A regular
artiste of Bangladesh Betar (radio) and Bangladesh Television, Raza is fast
becoming a familiar name to 'Bhawaiya' enthusiasts in the country. Recently he
had his second solo performance at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The
Daily Star caught up with the talented artiste as he shared his views.
In his words, "Most people are under the impression that songs like
"Oki gariyal bhai," "Baukumtha batash jemon" and a few
others define the repertoire of the 'Bhawaiya' genre. However, in the rural
areas of north Bengal, so many songs that the local artistes and Bauls sing are
yet to receive exposure. Personally, I feel an inclination to bring these
numbers before city audiences."
·
Category
·
License
Standard
YouTube License